Ajit Singh takes charge of 'Sensitive' Civil Aviation

New Delhi, Dec 19: The Rastriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Ajit Singh on Monday, Dec 19 took charge of the civil aviation ministry from Vayalar Ravi, which he described as sensitive and challenging sector.

RLD supremo said that "This is a very sensitive sector and I am taking my time to understand it," and will chalk out its future plan in next few days. The 72-year-old Jat leader will have to solve the financial mess in aviation sector rising from high jet fuel prices and high interest cost.

The RLD Chief was on Sunday, Dec 18 sworn in as civil aviation minister who joined the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government on Dec 12 in a seat-sharing agreement between the Rashtriya Lok Dal and Congress for the forthcoming Uttar Pradesh elections which is likely to be held in Feb 2012, where RLD would be contesting in 45 out of the 403 seats.The move is being seen in the political circles as a bid by the Congress to strengthen itself ahead of the UP elections where it has tied up with his party.

Ajit Singh, a six-time member of the Lok Sabha has become the 33rd minister in the Union Cabinet and 77th in the Council of Ministers.